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ICD-10 Coding for Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures(F44.5, R56.9)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

PNESPseudoseizuresNonepileptic Events

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures

F44.5Primary Range

Conversion disorder with seizures or convulsions

Primary code for PNES when associated with conversion disorder.

Unspecified convulsions

Used for PNES when not linked to a conversion disorder.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F44.5Conversion disorder with seizures or convulsionsUse when PNES is linked to a conversion disorder.
  • Documented psychological stressor
  • vEEG showing no ictal patterns
  • Typical PNES semiology
R56.9Unspecified convulsionsUse when PNES is not linked to a conversion disorder.
  • Ambiguous terms like 'spells of unknown etiology'
  • Negative vEEG without conversion disorder documentation

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for PNES

Essential facts and insights about Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures

The ICD-10 code for PNES is F44.5 when linked to a conversion disorder, and R56.9 when not.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for pnes

Conversion disorder with seizures or convulsions
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of psychological stressor and negative vEEG.

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit linkage to conversion disorder.

Applicable To

  • Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures

Excludes

  • Epileptic seizures (G40.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented psychological stressor
  • vEEG showing no ictal patterns
  • Typical PNES semiology

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use without documented conversion disorder.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation of conversion disorder is present.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, unspecified

F43.10
Use when PTSD is a comorbid condition.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Epilepsy, unspecified, not intractable, without status epilepticus

G40.909
Confirmed epileptiform activity on EEG.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F44.5.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis of epilepsy., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure vEEG results are included in the patient's record., Train staff on documentation requirements.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential revenue loss., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure conversion disorder is explicitly documented.

Impact

Risk of audit if conversion disorder is not documented for F44.5.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of psychological factors.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Neurology Progress Note

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Event description
  • Diagnostic confirmation
  • Psychological linkage
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with episodes of shaking. Video EEG confirmed absence of epileptiform activity. Diagnosis: Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures associated with conversion disorder (F44.5).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Pseudoseizures, will monitor.
Good Documentation Example
Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures confirmed by 72-hour vEEG (no epileptiform activity). Events correlate with marital discord per psych eval. Conversion disorder diagnosed (F44.5).
Explanation
The good example includes specific diagnostic tests and psychological linkage, ensuring accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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